“The brash kid from Southie is still open, direct and fearless in his manner (and in his wonderfully loose-jointed use of the English language) and in no danger of losing his cover as a ‘happy-go-lucky Yank.’ But even amid the excitement of the spirited wartime storytelling, Benn allows Boyle’s experiences to change him in ways both subtle and dramatic.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
“Thoroughly enjoyable.”—The Seattle Times
“This series brings WWII alive.”—Deadly Pleasures
“Great fun. Benn knows his war history.”—The Globe and Mail
“Kudos to author Benn . . . and here’s hoping that Billy will continue to make his way through his Uncle Ike’s world for many titles to come.”—Bookslut.com
Billy Boyle awakens in a field hospital in Sicily with amnesia. In his pocket is a yellow silk handkerchief embroidered with the initial L. Gradually he remembers: he has been sent ashore in advance of the troops with this token from Lucky Luciano to contact the head of the Sicilian Mafia. But he must also thwart a murderous band of counterfeiters of Army scrip led by Vito Genovese.
James R. Benn is the author of Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery, selected by Book Sense as one of the top five mysteries of 2006 and nominated for a Dilys Award. The First Wave was a Book Sense Notable title. Benn is a librarian and lives in Hadlyme, Connecticut.
Praise for Blood Alone
“A harrowing adventure that delivers on suspense and, quite movingly, on emotional registers too.” —Megan Abbott
“James Benn is a wonderful writer and Blood Alone is terrific. The premise is irresistible, the pacing nonstop, the prose razor sharp. Any fan of Ken Follett or Alan Furst, or anyone who enjoys reading about World War II—or just a great story—will love this book.” —Joseph Finder
“Immediately engaging . . . Blood Alone is an intriguing blend of history and fiction, superbly crafted and paced, easily the best period mystery I’ve read in quite some time.” —BookPage
“A fast-paced mix of action, adventure, and crime solving . . . A solid series that keeps getting better.” —Booklist
“Another bracing cocktail of period action with a whodunit chaser from the increasingly authoritative Benn.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A well-engineered tale . . . Recommended.” —Crimespree
James R. Benn is the author of the Billy Boyle World War II mysteries. The debut, Billy Boyle, was named one of five top mysteries of 2006 by Book Sense and was a Dilys Award nominee. A Blind Goddess was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and The Rest Is Silence was a Barry Award nominee. Benn, a former librarian, splits his time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and Connecticut with his wife Deborah Mandel.
View titles by James R. Benn
“The brash kid from Southie is still open, direct and fearless in his manner (and in his wonderfully loose-jointed use of the English language) and in no danger of losing his cover as a ‘happy-go-lucky Yank.’ But even amid the excitement of the spirited wartime storytelling, Benn allows Boyle’s experiences to change him in ways both subtle and dramatic.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
“Thoroughly enjoyable.”—The Seattle Times
“This series brings WWII alive.”—Deadly Pleasures
“Great fun. Benn knows his war history.”—The Globe and Mail
“Kudos to author Benn . . . and here’s hoping that Billy will continue to make his way through his Uncle Ike’s world for many titles to come.”—Bookslut.com
Billy Boyle awakens in a field hospital in Sicily with amnesia. In his pocket is a yellow silk handkerchief embroidered with the initial L. Gradually he remembers: he has been sent ashore in advance of the troops with this token from Lucky Luciano to contact the head of the Sicilian Mafia. But he must also thwart a murderous band of counterfeiters of Army scrip led by Vito Genovese.
James R. Benn is the author of Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery, selected by Book Sense as one of the top five mysteries of 2006 and nominated for a Dilys Award. The First Wave was a Book Sense Notable title. Benn is a librarian and lives in Hadlyme, Connecticut.
Reviews
Praise for Blood Alone
“A harrowing adventure that delivers on suspense and, quite movingly, on emotional registers too.” —Megan Abbott
“James Benn is a wonderful writer and Blood Alone is terrific. The premise is irresistible, the pacing nonstop, the prose razor sharp. Any fan of Ken Follett or Alan Furst, or anyone who enjoys reading about World War II—or just a great story—will love this book.” —Joseph Finder
“Immediately engaging . . . Blood Alone is an intriguing blend of history and fiction, superbly crafted and paced, easily the best period mystery I’ve read in quite some time.” —BookPage
“A fast-paced mix of action, adventure, and crime solving . . . A solid series that keeps getting better.” —Booklist
“Another bracing cocktail of period action with a whodunit chaser from the increasingly authoritative Benn.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A well-engineered tale . . . Recommended.” —Crimespree
Author
James R. Benn is the author of the Billy Boyle World War II mysteries. The debut, Billy Boyle, was named one of five top mysteries of 2006 by Book Sense and was a Dilys Award nominee. A Blind Goddess was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and The Rest Is Silence was a Barry Award nominee. Benn, a former librarian, splits his time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and Connecticut with his wife Deborah Mandel.
View titles by James R. Benn
